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BCH drops 19 positions, lays off 12
Norman Jameson, BR Editor
November 26, 2008
2 MIN READ TIME

BCH drops 19 positions, lays off 12

BCH drops 19 positions, lays off 12
Norman Jameson, BR Editor
November 26, 2008

Baptist Children’s Homes laid off 12 employees Nov. 20 and eliminated seven other positions in response to budget shortfalls.


President Michael C. Blackwell said BCH also will close Noel Home in Lenoir and transfer those residents to Mills Home in Thomasville. A partnership with Haywood County to staff an emergency cottage is winding down by mutual agreement.


“Decreases in donations from individuals, fewer Cooperative Program dollars and corporate grants, massive losses from investments, enormous decreases in payment for services from public agencies and minimal income from private placements,” led to the budget crunch, Blackwell said.


Blackwell reported that no child in care was displaced from care.


BCH’s $19 million budget anticipates $818,000 in investment revenue, a target likely to fall short in a dropping market. The need to utilize reserves diminishes earning power of those reserves in the future.


BCH is North Carolina Baptists’ statewide ministry to children and families. With four residential campuses and service sites in 10 other communities across the state, BCH served 1,465 children in residential care, developmentally disabled adult ministry and in daycare and after school services.


BCH’s recent announcement that it would develop a girl’s wilderness camp remains on track, funded by gifts already in hand specifically for that purpose. A three-year commitment for operating funds already is in place, as well.


BCH has approximately 300 staff members. All service areas were affected by the layoffs, Blackwell said.